Remote control cars are all well and good, but the ground starts to feel boring after hundreds of trips around the house and yard. Then it is time to take to the skies with a radio control helicopter! Nothing beats the excitement of watching a vehicle rise into the air and then go where you tell it to with the flick of a finger.
Radio control helicopters come in all shapes and sizes (including a flying minion!) There are options out there for all ages, ability levels and wallets. However, the wrong helicopter can leave you down in the dumps (literally), which is why we have combed through all the genuine reviews online to bring you only the best.
Any one of the helicopters on the list below will set kids’ dreams and excitement soaring – or adults for that matter! However, they vary in style, features and skill required, so it’s a good idea to read each review carefully to find the best option for your little pilot.
The Top 3 Indoor Radio Control Helicopters
Strap in folks, it’s time to turn on the propeller and set out in search of the best radio control helicopter for you! All the options below are great RC helicopters – you just have to decide which suits you best.
You may notice that many helicopters have an age designation of 14 and up. That doesn’t mean younger kids can’t use them at all, but rather that they must have adult supervision. With mom or dad testing it out first, flying an RC helicopter is a great activity for family bonding time!
Best High Price RC Helicopters
1. SYMA S107H-E Aircraft
This super cool-looking RC helicopter has all the functions you could think of to make flying it an easy and fun experience. The altitude hold function means it can stop in the air when you need the extra time and the one-key takeoff and landing makes things super simple. And when you’re ready to try some fun maneuvers, this bad boy can go left, right, forwards and even backward!
| Recommended age: 14 years and above |
This little helicopter’s whole body is made from a metal alloy, which protects its inner workings and makes it incredibly tough. You can crash it countless times without any severe damage occurring!
What We Love:
❤️ Easy to control indoors or outdoors
❤️ It can go backwards and has an altitude hold function
❤️ Extremely durable with excellent signal to the remote
What We Don’t Love:
💔 The instructions are a little unclear
💔 Some customers had issues with the charger connection
2. GoolRC RC Helicopter RC
This RC helicopter is even more realistic as it is an authentic model of the real Bo105 helicopter. It even features a nose searchlight for nighttime flying and heightened authenticity! On top of the detailed design, this helicopter also flies beautifully. Thanks to the aerodynamic propeller design and a 6-axis gyroscope, it is super stable and easy for beginners.
| Recommended age: 14 years and above |
This helicopter features a modular battery and intelligent power management system for an impressively long battery life. It is also packed with features that improve durability and make flying it a breeze. It is seriously a top-quality helicopter!
What We Love:
❤️ Features a realistic nose searchlight for nighttime flying
❤️ Fantastic attention to detail in the design
❤️ Durable and easy to fly
What We Don’t Love:
💔 It is very affected by wind when flying outside
💔 It’s quite pricey
| 💡 If you want something with the utmost stability and don’t care too much about a realistic look, this SYMA helicopter drone is a great choice. |
3. SYMA TF1001
If you care more about being able to do awesome tricks than achieving the look of a real helicopter, this could be the one for you. Part helicopter, part drone, this one can move in all directions, jump forward and even spin in a circle! With this, you can have loads of fun doing advanced stunts, but it is also easy to maneuver for kids and beginners.
| Recommended age: 14 years and above |
This helicopter features two speeds to choose from depending on your skill level and is impressively stable. On top of that, it is super durable and safe for kids to use with adult supervision.
What We Love:
❤️ Easy to maneuver and do fun stunts
❤️ Reaches impressive heights with good balance
❤️ The helicopter and joystick are both super durable
What We Don’t Love:
💔 It only has a 7-minute flight time
💔 Gusts of wind may affect its flight when flying outdoors
| 💡 Check out this other great option from SYMA if you want something larger and more realistic looking. |
Best Budget RC Helicopters
4. LADIGASU CZ02
This Ladigasu helicopter is a fantastic option for folks looking for a budget-friendly choice but still wanting a good RC helicopter. This one is straightforward to maneuver, featuring one-key takeoff, landing and altitude hold. It also intelligently maneuvers around obstacles, so you don’t have to worry about crashes. However, you can still control where it goes via the RC!
| Recommended age: 14 years and above |
This little helicopter is equipped with two-speed modes to accommodate pilots of different skill levels. And with its metal frame and flexible blades, it is impressively durable. The value for money you are getting here is off the charts!
What We Love:
❤️ Navigates obstacles by itself
❤️ Has an altitude hold function
❤️ Durable and good battery life
What We Don’t Love:
💔 The remote is a little plasticky
💔 It is quite heavily affected by wind
5. VATOS YD-218
If you want more abilities and a slicker look but don’t want to break the bank, this helicopter from Vatos is an excellent choice. Like most good RC helicopters, it has an altitude hold function and a one-key takeoff and landing. On top of that, it also features a non-jamming function to prevent signal interference so that you can fly multiple helicopters simultaneously!
| Recommended age: 14 years and above |
With its bright LED light, you can fly this helicopter in the dark without a problem. It can also reach impressive distances without losing signal, making this an excellent option for outdoor flying!
What We Love:
❤️ Flies very well for such a low price
❤️ It is speedy and can reach impressive heights
❤️ Easy to control and comes with an extra battery
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Doesn’t work well in windy weather
💔 Flight time is only 6 minutes
6. Cheerwing U12S
This cute yellow helicopter is another excellent option for those who want an authentic look. This one also has a unique feature none of the other helicopters do – a built-in WiFi camera so you can film in real-time via your smartphone! See what the helicopter sees and take photos and videos of yourself from above – the possibilities are endless.
| Recommended age: 14 years and above |
However, this isn’t just a gimmick helicopter. It flies well and is easy to control, with an altitude hold function and one-key takeoff and landing. It also has two different speeds and a metal frame that can withstand dozens of crashes!
What We Love:
❤️ Includes a built-in WiFi Camera for so you can take photos and videos via your phone
❤️ It can take off and land on its own
❤️ Easy to control with decent battery life
What We Don’t Love:
💔 It doesn’t hold up well to wind
💔 A few customers received faulty batteries but the company sent them replacements
Best for Older Kids
7. SYMA S100
This adorable mini helicopter is tiny but powerful. Despite its size, it flies incredibly smoothly indoors and outdoors and is easy to use thanks to its altitude hold feature and one-key takeoff and landing. It is also super responsive to the remote control, making it possible to achieve highly accurate maneuvers after some practice!
| Recommended age: 14 years and above |
You may think such a small helicopter would be flimsy, but it is solid and can withstand many crashes! This is thanks to its sturdy metal alloy construction, low voltage and reverse-connect protection for its internal electronics.
What We Love:
❤️ Takes off with one button push and can withstand a crash
❤️ Super speedy and responsive
❤️ Flies smooth indoors or outdoors
What We Don’t Love:
💔 It’s size means it is easy to lose
💔 It only has a 5-minute flight time
8. POCO DIVO Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter
This Poco Divo helicopter is an excellent choice for kids who enjoy playing at being heroes. The design is incredibly detailed, and it looks just like a coast guard rescue helicopter, so there is lots of opportunity for imaginative play. But it’s not all about the looks – this helicopter is also super stable and easy to operate thanks to the 6-axis gyro stabilizer!
| Recommended age: 8 years and above |
This rescue helicopter features a colorful flashing light that makes it possible to fly at night. It also has three control channels, so you can go up and down, left and right and forward and backward!
What We Love:
❤️ It has lights for nighttime flying
❤️ Easy to maneuver and very stable
❤️ Holds up very well to crashes
What We Don’t Love:
💔 It is harder to control at higher heights
💔 It flies pretty slowly
9. Syma S109G
This RC helicopter is similar to the option above, except this one is designed to look like a military helicopter. It even has graphics featuring fearsome eyes and teeth for good measure! This one is best limited to indoor flying, but it is straightforward to maneuver and is wonderfully responsive to controls.
| Recommended age: 8 years and above |
This one also features lights for flying in the dark and can fly left and right and forward and backward. Plus, customers love that it charges super quickly via a USB charging cable so that you can get back into the fun!
What We Love:
❤️ Charges quickly via USB
❤️ Easy to maneuver with responsive controls
❤️ Includes lights for flying at night
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Only takes off from flat surfaces
💔 Flight time is only 5-8 minutes
Best for Young Kids
10. Force1 Orbiter Flying Orb
For a more budget-friendly option that is still lots of fun check out the Force1 Orbiter Flying Orb. This one isn’t trying to look like a helicopter but is an awesome multicolor light ball. All you do with the remote is start, launch and stop; otherwise, you control it with your hands! Directing the flight of this with hand movements will make you feel like a magician.
| Recommended age: 8 years and above |
This helicopter is equipped with obstacle avoidance motion sensor technology which minimizes collisions. The orb projects a kaleidoscope of LED lights as it flies around and even glows in the dark!
What We Love:
❤️ Very easy to control
❤️ Recharges quickly and glows in the dark
❤️ An affordable way to keep kids entertained
What We Don’t Love:
💔 It requires charging after 8 minutes
💔 It isn’t as durable as some other options
| 💡 Want the flying orb without the copter blades above it? This nifty rotary ball has blades inside, but it can still fly really well! |
11. Wow! Rise of Gru Dave Jetpack RC Flying Ball
This is another more affordable option in the form of a flying ball. However, this one is perfect for Minions fans as it is an adorable flying minion complete with a jetpack and flying goggles! You control Dave’s movements by waving your hands like the above option. But unlike the above option, this one is suitable for shaded outdoor and indoor use!
| Recommended age: 8 years and above |
With built-in collision protection and patented flexible blades to prevent breakage, this little minion is highly durable. He also flies impressively fast, making him fun but a little tricky to control.
What We Love:
❤️ It’s durable with flexible blades to prevent breakage
❤️ It flies fast indoors and outdoors
❤️ You control it with your hands
What We Don’t Love:
💔 The speed makes it a bit harder to master
💔 Those with long hair must be careful of the propellers
Frequently Asked Questions About RC Helicopters
🙋 How do indoor remote control helicopters work?
Indoor remote control helicopters work differently depending on their target consumers. The more beginner-friendly a model is, the more automation will be built in. For example, collective pitch models have independent pitch control like a real helicopter, while fixed pitch models do not and are thus easier to operate. But in both cases, an RC helicopter’s basic movement is controlled by rotor blades.
The faster these are spinning, the higher it will go! Many RC helicopters also have a flybar that changes its direction. However, more recent models often do not have this and alter direction via more complex multi-axis electronic stabilization units.
🙋 Are indoor remote control helicopters good for kids?
Indoor remote control helicopters are great for kids! Manipulating the controls to direct the helicopter’s movement is excellent for practicing hand-eye coordination and being careful about avoiding obstacles will improve kids’ focus and patience. Plus, it can be an opening to discuss how helicopters work and thus get in some engineering education!
But most of all, remote control helicopters are suitable for kids because they are a fun, screen-free activity to do with the family. They are one of the best toys for family bonding as all ages enjoy them, and kids usually need help from parents to understand the controls and avoid collisions!
🙋 How do I choose a remote control helicopter?
Deciding on a few priorities will make selecting a remote control helicopter much easier. First, determine if you want to fly your helicopter outdoors or only indoors. Outdoor helicopters can go much higher and are sturdy, though they tend to be pricier. In contrast, indoor helicopters are more lightweight, which makes them gentler on your furniture! Next, think about the helicopter’s controls.
Do you want to do tricks like spins and jumps, or are you happy with simple flying? If your child is a beginner, stick with more straightforward controls, as having several buttons and knobs may overwhelm them. Lastly, consider whether you want a realistic model or if other factors like stability are more important.
So… What Indoor Radio Control Helicopter Should I Get?
That depends – do you want a cute flying orb that kids can operate by themselves? Do you want an accurate replica of a real helicopter? Or are you most excited by attempting cool tricks and stunts? Whatever your priorities, you can find the perfect helicopter for you or your kids in the list we assembled. And while we tried to be as comprehensive as possible, we may have left out something great – so give us a shout if you have a helicopter you think we should have included!
